Which 38 Caliber Bullets

[The Gnome]

Getting into loading 38 caliber and I was wondering if anyone has a brand they like? I am looking at loading for IDPA around 800 FPS so it looks like lead will be the way I am going.

Thanks!

 

[alucard0822]

Rainier flat point bullets on the heavy side shoot the best at low velocities from my wheel guns. The 158gr bullets are long enough that you can set the OAL kinda long and still crimp them in securely so there is less jump to the narrow part of the cylinder bore, they seem to shoot better that way, where it doesn't seem to make a difference with jacketed bullets. They have no cannelure or crimp ring, and crimping too hard can tear the thin plating, but a medium crimp with a good roll crimp die keeps the bullets in place very nicely, I use the lee FCD with good results. They foul like jacketed bullets(minor copper and powder, but no leading), however take the rifling, and imprint deeply like lead. They are my go to load for my revolvers and shoot very well in most any load outside of full house loads with slow powders. The load data says to use lead specs for them, but velocities seem to be about 1/2 way between lead and jacketed, and even when loaded near max with jacketed data, there are no signs of pressure, or loss of accuracy.

 

[Llyrin]

It's been a while since I reloaded, but I used to use Hornady and Speer hollow points when I reloaded my .357/.38 spec.

 

[The Gnome]

Thanks!!

 

[Topher]

I have good accuracy and consistency with the Rainier Round Nose and Hollow Points.